The African continent is home to numerous outstanding textile traditions, many dating to antiquity and all playing a multifaceted role in their respective societies: these eye-catching fabrics proclaim wealth and status, convey symbolic meanings, and of course serve a practical function in garments both ordinary and exceptional. This magnificent book conveys the amazing diversity of African textiles, from the geometric-patterned kente cloths of Ghana, to the multicolour raffia skirts of the Democratic Republic of Congo, to the beaded barkcloths once reserved for Ugandan royalty. The authors, all leading experts in the field, examine each region of sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar in turn, elucidating the aesthetic qualities, cultural significance, and production methods of the most important textile traditions. Their authoritative text is illustrated with over 300 superlative textiles from public and private collections, many reproduced as full-page plates that allow the reader to appreciate each individual fibre. This impressive clothbound volume will be a key reference for students and scholars, an essential sourcebook for designers, and a delight for all art lovers.
- ISBN10 0789214504
- ISBN13 9780789214508
- Publish Date 13 September 2022
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 16 September 2024
- Publish Country US
- Imprint Abbeville Press Inc.,U.S.
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 448
- Language English